City of Phoenix Planning and Development Department

Terrible to deal with my architect has been getting many different answers on the same question from everyone that works there. Maybe train your staff properly.

What's happening with the PPD? They seem to be overly strict, and I'm unsure what a homeowner can legally build when applying for a permit. I made a mistake on my permit application, and it was initially rejected. After reapplying, they asked me to wait six weeks, but then approved the same application they had previously rejected. I'm confused about the planning and development process; it's causing unnecessary delays and frustrations for the public. We're just trying to update our homes, not start something new, but this bureaucratic approach seems to breed corruption, which isn't helpful. rejec5ed? . And the person I talkeed 9NFBFI22915

Fast service and quick and friendly staff , call and get appointment before you go , last time I was there in 2014, big change and big improvement on how quick and helpful they become

The city stinks. I promise that if I had the same funds and resources the city of Phoenix had I could plan a better city than whoever is planning out the atrocious downtown right now. I mean parking lots next to random mid-rise buildings? Cmon.

Extremely horrible service now a days. Over two months to get pool permits. Take them about 5-6 weeks to even just open for review. You call and they say all I can do is wait and that they are backed cause of COVID like it’s 2023 and still using COVID as an excuse for slow work. Spent 50 minutes on hold with no one to answer. Have left voicemails with no call backs. Snarky emails when asking for help or any info on the plans under review. Not sure who’s running this place but holy moly. Before COVID you just showed up for an appointment and in and out same day with a permit

They’ve changed platforms multiple times over the last couple years, none of them are user friendly, the city is slow two weeks to non responsive on emails, does not answer the phone, and return calls do not provide the information requested. It’s an incredibly frustrating department to work with. Update: We've now been in this process for 12 weeks for a 500 sqft detached shop. The City has been profoundly inaccessible and unresponsive.

Very easy process when you make an appt.

Those complaining about wait times and how your paperwork is processed, give this department a break. Many government offices are not fully staffed and are doing the best they can. I submitted my request through email and they responded within 36 hours. The problem was resolved and now waiting for final follow up. I appreciate you putting yourself at risk so that business and residential owners can get things done.

Awecful customer service. My tax money not at work.

I was so amazed at how easy it was to get specific answers on a few questions I had regarding a parcel's subdivision. When you think of working with any govt it's easy to envision red tape and an endless wait for non-answers. My experience was the complete opposite: Emily Dawson was super helpful, knowledgeable, and responsive when I called. I'm not a builder or someone familiar with ordinances, so her patience was so appreciated.